Raj Bhavan, Kolkata Palace

Official governor's residence of West Bengal in Kolkata

The governor's residence in Kolkata, a colonial-era mansion with formal gardens and stately architecture along the southern bank. Visitors view the exterior, attend occasional public events and explore nearby historic districts.

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Raj Bhavan, Kolkata at a Glance#

Address: Raj Bhavan, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

Website: https://wb.gov.in/government/rajbhavan.cfm

About Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#

Raj Bhavan, Kolkata is the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal, located in the city of Kolkata. It serves as the formal seat and workplace of the state’s governor.

The site functions primarily as a working government residence and venue for official ceremonies and receptions. Public access is restricted and the grounds are usually visible only from public roads or during designated events.

The property has been used as the governor’s residence through both the colonial period and after Indian independence, continuing as the state’s official gubernatorial residence. Exact construction dates and earlier ownership details are specific to archival records.

Situated within Kolkata, West Bengal, the Raj Bhavan lies inside the urban area of the city and serves as an administrative and ceremonial focal point for state government activity.

  • Access: It is a working gubernatorial residence and is not generally open for casual visits; access is typically by invitation or during special state events.
  • Functions: The building hosts official ceremonies and receptions for the state government and visiting dignitaries.

How to Get to Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#

Raj Bhavan is in Alipore, south of Kolkata’s central business district. From Park Street or Esplanade, a taxi ride takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses and local taxis serve the area; the nearest metro station is Rabindra Sadan, from which a taxi is needed.

Tips for Visiting Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#

  • Tours of the grounds are sometimes available - check Raj Bhavan Kolkata's official schedule for public opening days
  • Dress respectfully; the building is still a gubernatorial residence and security is taken seriously
  • The riverside lawns are best photographed in late afternoon light when the Hooghly glints

Best Time to Visit Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#

Best in winter for pleasant weather; public access to interiors is limited and usually by special arrangement.

Winter (Nov-Feb)
Nov-Feb · 10-25°C
Best climate for visiting Kolkata and the Raj Bhavan grounds.
Monsoon shoulder (Sep-Oct)
Sep-Oct · 25-32°C
Fewer tourists although humidity is high; gardens are lush after rains.

Weather & Climate near Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#

Climate

Raj Bhavan, Kolkata's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1625 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 155 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 26° 20° 12 mm mostly sunny 65% 0.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.8h
February Ideal 17° - 29° 23° 23 mm mostly sunny 57% 1.0 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
March Excellent 21° - 34° 28° 31 mm mostly sunny 55% 1.5 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 25° - 36° 33° 51 mm some cloud 60% 2.4 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
May Good 26° - 36° 36° 120 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.6 m/s 2.0 very high 13.1h
June Acceptable 26° - 34° 39° 262 mm overcast 80% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 13.4h
July Acceptable 26° - 32° 37° 341 mm overcast 87% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 13.2h
August Acceptable 26° - 32° 38° 341 mm overcast 89% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
September Acceptable 26° - 33° 38° 289 mm overcast 89% 1.3 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 24° - 33° 33° 125 mm some cloud 84% 1.0 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 19° - 30° 25° 25 mm clear 78% 0.8 m/s 1.1 high 10.9h
December Ideal 15° - 27° 21° 5 mm mostly sunny 74% 0.7 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.7h

Nearby Attractions to Raj Bhavan, Kolkata#